A simplified approach: BHS football refining scaled back playbook

When the University of Oregon coaching staff told Burroughs head football coach Todd Mather two years ago that a less complex offense would suit the Burros well, he opted to keep a bigger playbook. After hearing a similar sentiment at UCLA this past winter, Mather made the decision to simplify the Burros' offense heading into the 2013 season.

When the University of Oregon coaching staff told Burroughs head football coach Todd Mather two years ago that a less complex offense would suit the Burros well, he opted to keep a bigger playbook. After hearing a similar sentiment at UCLA this past winter, Mather made the decision to simplify the Burros' offense heading into the 2013 season.

"To see two Division I schools that I think are top notch, and then to see how simple their philosophy is — they're just executing and they're good at what they do," Mather said. "We scaled our playbook way, way back and we're just going to be good at what we do."

The UCLA coaching staff shared play-action passes with Mather during his two-day stint that he believes will make the Burroughs zone read attack more dynamic this season. Mather also wants to mirror the Bruins' simplistic approach.

"They go into every game with 25 plays, and that's it," Mather said. "They protect their plays with other plays off of those, and that's kind of the approach we're taking now."

While the playbook might not be as complicated this season, the individual plays are just as complex. They hinge on the quarterback making the correct read that will put opposing defenders in no-win situations.

"The one play we run a ton is going to put the SAM (strong side, outside) linebacker in conflict with a swing route, spot route or he has to take the inside zone and come down on the run," Mather said. "You read one guy and no matter what decision he makes, it's wrong."

For Mather, he felt the right decision this offseason was to coach the offensive line in addition to his offensive coordinator duties. His simplified offensive approach also extends to the blocking schemes within the trenches.

"It's mostly just getting them to understand the whole scheme and bringing the backs, receivers and quarterback approach to the linemen," Mather said. "I'm trying to help them be offensive coordinators and understand what we're trying to get done — getting rid of the confusion."

Burroughs is installing its offense and defense during July practices, which started Monday after a three-weak dead period. On offense the Burros are rolling out two running plays per day, looking to master each play with detail-oriented repetition.

"We're going over the scheme and every different front that we can see," Mather said. "It's 11 different guys on the same page — they're all working together and it's neat to see how it works.

"We usually teach the end result first — show them what it looks like when its done — and then we go back in progressions and show them how to get to that point."

While refining its offense Burroughs has adopted a "12 percent rule" — out of the total plays the team runs during practice, plays with turnovers, dropped passes, penalties and other mistakes need to add up to less than 12 percent. The Burros met that mark on the first two days of July practice.

Page 2 of 2 - "We're trying to get the plays reviewed, retaught and get them all polished up — everything was taught in spring ball," Mather said. "We're just trying to get it all perfected."

For the full interview with Coach Mather, listen to DI Radio this weekend on KKYT The Coyote 93.7 FM.